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Thursday, December 23, 2004
Top communist rebel leader's brother surrenders
By Ben O. Tesiorna
DAVAO CITY -- A brother of a top communist rebel leader in Region 11 surrendered to authorities last week after asking permission from his brother, the military reported Wednesday.
Romer Rosete, married and a resident of Purok 3, Barangay Inambatan in Monkayo, Compostela Valley, surrendered to intelligence personnel of the Philippine Air Force last December 15.
The 29-year-old Romer is the younger brother of Roberto Rosete, alias Kumander Alex, top honcho of the Pulang Bagani Command 2 of the New People's Army (NPA).
Romer said he decided to give up due to a lingering pain from a gunshot wound in the chest he sustained three years ago.
Asked if he has no fears for his safety after his surrender, Romer said he made sure to get the nod of his older brother and his comrades before doing so.
He said Kumander Alex just requested him not to issue any statements that would be detrimental to the NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines.
Romer admitted that it is against the NPA policy for any rebel to surrender.
He said though he had already made up his mind and would lay down his arms even if his brother resented it.
Colonel Nestor Deona, commander of Tactical Operations Group 11, said Rosete's surrender was a result of two months of discreet negotiations through the effort of squadron leader Major Luke Martem.
Deona said Rosete would be temporarily placed under their care while government is preparing the release of emergency and livelihood assistance to him.
Lieutenant Colonel Agane Adriatico, chief of the Army's 5th Civil Relations Group, said Rosete stands to receive P2,500 as emergency assistance and P12,000 as livelihood aid.
Adriatico however said the assistance would depend on the availability of funds from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process.
Asked about his future plans, Rosete said he wanted to live a normal life and spend the holidays with his wife and six-year-old child.
(December 23, 2004 issue)
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